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West Ham must find replacement if Wilshere heads to America

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OPINION

There’s no doubt that West Ham United midfielder Jack Wilshere has been a huge flop for the club. He’s not managed to stay fit, which has been a bug-bear for him throughout his career.

That’s something that makes Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini’s decision to hand him such colossal wages in the summer of 2018 such a baffling one.

However, he may yet be issued with a get-out-of-jail-free card. The Athletic reported last week that Major League Soccer in the United States of America could be the next step for Wilshere, something that would apparently come as a pleasant surprise for Pellegrini.

Reliable Hammers news source Claret & Hugh claimed on Monday that the 27-year-old moving to the States would be a huge relief for the Irons. The club are looking to clear out two or three players in the January transfer window, and they would love to have Wilshere’s £100,000-per-week wages off the board.

Clearly Pellegrini is starting to come round to the thinking that Wilshere may not be worth the trouble. The statistics from when he has played this season show that, even when he’s fit, he’s not performed on the pitch.

As per WhoScored.com, the former Arsenal man has failed to score a league goal or provide an assist this term, while he is averaging zero shots or key passes per game, while he is being dispossessed 1.2 times and having 1.3 unsuccessful touches per outing.

He’s also failed to produce any interceptions, clearances or blocks this campaign. So he’s not producing from an attacking or defensive point of view, while he continues to give the ball away with regularity.

Given his poor form and his massive wages, you can see why Pellegrini likely has his fingers crossed for Wilshere’s departure. However, it’s imperative that the Hammers boss replaces the Englishman.

The east London outfit are so light on central midfield talent, a situation exacerbated by captain Mark Noble’s injury suffered against Burnley last time out.

That leaves only Declan Rice and Carlos Sanchez fully fit in the middle of the park, unless the in-form Robert Snodgrass is shifted back into a deeper role.

With that said, it would be foolish to allow Wilshere out the door without a replacement in mind. However, if they can get one then sayonara, Jack.

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